If you think back over the course of history, body image has always played an important role for women, regardless of the era. We’ve seen everything from corsets to cat suits to cosmetic surgery, all in a bid to look beautiful. Body image has never played such a pivotal role in society as it does today. Add in some advertising, mix in the media with a twist of technology and it is a recipe for disaster. The pressure on women today to look perfect has never been higher and rather disturbingly, perfection has never before been as easily attainable as it is now. Nose jobs, facelifts, liposuction or Botox take your pick. Unfortunately for some, the desire for perfection can develop into an unhealthy obsession.

It’s extremely common for women to have issues about their body. I wish my eyes were blue. I hate my stomach. My bum is huge. I wish I had straight hair. If only I could lose a few more kilos. But Body Dismorphic Disorder, a serious mental health condition, is much more severe than women simply complaining about their body

Affecting around 1% of the population, Body Dismorphic Disorder occurs when people (both men and women equally) develop a strong obsession with what they perceive as flaws in their looks. They will spend an enormous amount of time worrying about their appearance. They will constantly look in the mirror, compare their looks to others and make concerted efforts to cover their “flaws”.

In most cases, others will not even notice the flaw, however if you mention it or point it out to them this may enhance their feelings of anxiousness about their body and cause them to think that others perceive them in a negative light.

Traits of Body Dismorphic Disorder normally appear in adolescence and develop slowly over time however a traumatic event may bring on the disorder on more rapidly and more severely.

Signs and Symptoms:

In the first instance, it is common

for sufferers to seek out a physical solution to correct the problem, normally cosmetic surgery, but there are other signs and symptoms to look out for if you suspect either yourself or someone close to you may have Body Dismorphic Disorder:

Ritualistic and time consuming grooming activity
Regularly comparing looks to others
An unhealthy level of self-loathing
Preoccupation with perceived “flaws”
Constantly checking appearance in the mirror
Inability to face others because embarrassed by looks

Treatment

Evidence suggests sufferers respond better to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy either in a group or as an individual, when compared to physical solutions like cosmetic surgery. Although cosmetic surgery may result in a long term “physical” fix of the perceived flaw, surgery doesn’t deal with the underlying emotional issues associated with Body Dismorphic Disorder so it is often considered a quick fix. Once diagnosed with the Disorder, sufferers are likely to be treated with antidepressants.

Although reassurance is not likely to convince someone with Body Dismorphic Disorder that they are in fact beautiful, on the inside and out, your ongoing support may just help them to see how special they are to you.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing feelings or symptoms of body dismorphic disorder, contact beyondblue for support, advice and an action plan.

If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice http://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information. All information provided is correct at time of publication.

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